Russian authorities argue that Moscow does not dramatize Romney's pledge of less flexibility in relations with Russia

Sep 06, 2012

RBTH

Interfax

Moscow does not dramatize U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney's statements concerning his policy on Russia if he is victorious.

"I would rather not personalize trends in U.S.-Russia relations or link them with particular personalities. We always deal with a combination of factors so we do not want to dramatize any particular statements, although we are monitoring them closely and analyzing them thoroughly," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview with Interfax.

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Concerning prospective relations with Russia, Republican Party candidate Romney said, "Under my administration, our friends will see more loyalty, and Mr. Putin will see a little less flexibility and more backbone."

A lot will depend on the U.S. presidential election winner and forces in control of the Congress, Ryabkov said.

"We know that the Obama Administration has encountered difficulties in its interaction with the Congress, in particular, in foreign political issues, after the Republicans strengthened their position in both houses of the U.S. Congress after the midterm congressional elections," the Russian diplomat said.

"There have been a number of examples of the administration's decisions, which did not help U.S.-Russia partnership and were made under certain pressure of the opposition. I mean the reservations made in the instrument of the ratification of the New START Treaty and the notorious Magnitsky law, which are still being discussed in the U.S.," he said.

Ryabkov also commented on Romney's possible support of a military solution of the Iranian problem.

"I think that U.S. politicians, regardless of their party membership, view Iran as an enemy. Alas, such stereotypes and phantoms may lead to an abyss. We have seen numerous examples of extremely dangerous decisions with far-reaching consequences made on the basis of false impressions. So, one must take a sober look at things and avoid emotions," the deputy foreign minister said.

"Unfortunately, the idea that military force should be used when the stick does not help is characteristic of certain U.S. politicians in both parties. We are concerned about that, but we will continue our calm explanations to help these politicians understand that avoiding such decisions would meet the interests of the United States," Ryabkov said.